Posts Tagged ‘Arthritis Symptoms’

Arthritis Causes, Symptoms, Remedies & Treatment

Saturday, November 28th, 2009
peterhutch Said:

Arthritis definitions

Inflammation of a joint. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis. (see osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout, pseudogout).

A disease characterized by joint inflammation. Joint injury can be caused by trauma or by the wear and tear of aging. The general term arthritis includes over 100 kinds of diseases, most of which last for life. In many forms of arthritis, injury is caused by the uncontrolled inflammation of autoimmune disease, in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Common kinds of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis causes

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes the various forms of arthritis. They are studying risk factors to determine why some people develop the disease and others do not.

The literal meaning of arthritis is “joint inflammation” and it can affect joints in any part of the body. Joints are the places in the body where two bones meet. When you have arthritis, damage is caused to a lesser or greater degree to the joints and mostly occurs in the hands, arms and legs. The inflammation in one or more of the joints results in pain, swelling and limited movement. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in those over the age of 65 and it generally affects people from the age of 60.

Arthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis / Osteoarthrosis (OA, also known as degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, arthrosis or in more colloquial terms “wear and tear”), is a condition in which low-grade inflammation results in pain in the joints, caused by wearing of the cartilage that covers and acts as a cushion inside joints. As the bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, the patient experiences pain upon weight bearing, including walking and standing. Due to decreased movement because of the pain, regional muscles may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax. OA is the most common form of arthritis.

Arthritis treatement

A cornerstone of therapy of any form of arthritis is physical therapy and occupational therapy to maintain joint mobility and range of motion. The proper kind and amount of this therapy will vary depending upon the underlying cause and upon individual factors that your physician will discuss with you

Arthritis remedies

Herbal arthritis remedies have been helping ease arthritis pain and inflamation for centuries. Unlike harsh modern drugs that can shock and weaken our system, medicinal herbs and herbal remedies soothe and strenghten our entire body and are good for arthritis relief ..

1 tbs juice of fresh leaves of bathua, drink every day on an empty stomach for 2-3 months. Do not add anything to the juice and do not eat anything for 2 hours before and after.

Warm mustard oil, spread it over Madar leaf ( Indian ) and foment the joint by spreading the leaf over the joint and keeping it there for a few hours for arthritis relief

On an empty stomach take 3-4 walnuts (akhrot) or 1 fresh coconut.

Arthritis can be hell to live with, but you don’t have to put up with it. There is a range of natural approaches that can help ease the pain.

Anyone who has arthritis knows it can be a nightmare. It causes inflamed, stiff and swollen joints, leading to chronic pain. And, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be over a certain age to get it. Of the eight million people in the UK with arthritis, a million are under 50, with 27,000 aged 25 or younger.

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Arthritis Pain Relief – Getting Help Now Naturally

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
Helen Hecker Said:

I finally found relief from my arthritis pain, naturally, and you can too. Arthritis sufferers today are always seeking relief from their arthritis pain.

As a result of arthritis, the bone just beneath the cartilage undergoes changes that lead to a bony overgrowth and the tissue that lines the joint can become inflamed, the ligaments can loosen and the associated muscles can weaken. Osteoarthritis affects joints in a different way depending on their location in the body, causing various arthritis symptoms. Unlike some other types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not systemic – it does not spread throughout the entire body.

Proteoglycans are the large molecules that help to make up cartilage; they bond to water, which ensures a high-fluid content in cartilage. Cartilage contains a very high percentage of water, but it decreases with age. Cartilage is slippery tissue that coats the end of the bones.

Aging cells could be a factor in the development of arthritis and specifically osteoarthritis. Some possible causes of arthritis include lesser known: bleeding disorders, like hemophilia, that cause bleeding to occur in the joint; disorders such as avascular necrosis, that block the blood supply closest to the joint; and conditions like hemochromatosis, which causes iron to build-up in the joints. Genetic factors are thought to be involved in about 50 percent of osteoarthritis cases in the hands and hips and a somewhat lower percentage of cases in the knee.

A recent study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil in osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and starting to reverse the destruction of joint cartilage within just 24 hours. Natural arthritis treatment is usually a better choice because it’s non-invasive and usually anti-inflammatory if living foods are consumed. Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, not just one supplement to relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc.

Make all-fruit smoothies using a base of two bananas, add one cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of organic virgin coconut oil if you like; add one or two leaves of kale for even more super nutrition. If you really want to get rid of your arthritis pain forever it may take a radical change in your diet and an ongoing commitment to it. I started eating a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds) which caused my arthritis to disappear and therefore relieve me of arthritis pain; this should be tried for at least 30 days; it would eliminate any foods that might be culprits.

With natural arthritis treatments there will be fewer, if any, side effects or adverse reactions. An acid diet, that is any foods that are not alive, is considered to be inflammatory to the joints.

Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful as a natural treatment for arthritis pain for many people. For a natural approach and natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor – a naturopath; ask around for referrals in your area.

Keep a basket of arthritic treatment aids for arthritic hands (Thera-putty, hand grips, Taiji Chinese chime balls, etc.) to use at bedtime or while watching television. Exercise is good for any joint affected by osteoarthritis. Fight arthritis through plenty of movement and exercise! Your body has 147 joints that are in motion every day of your life; keep them moving!

A good exercise routine is the key to beating arthritis and keeping arthritis pain at bay; so keep moving as much as possible. Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible, but be careful in the morning; you may need an hour or more of moving around first; you can start by moving your limbs around in your bed a few minutes before you get out of bed. Whatever you do, keep moving; don’t sit when you can stand, don’t stand when you can walk or walk in place.

Drugs commonly used for arthritis pain can cause ulcers, heart disease, liver or kidney damage. Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other drugs, herbs or other supplements you’re taking, to ward off any bad or adverse drug reactions that might occur from the combining of different drugs or supplements. If you’re planning to take any of the non-prescription NSAIDs for arthritis, make sure you understand what bad effects they can have on the stomach, liver and kidneys; discuss this with your family doctor or rheumatologist.

Knowing more about arthritis and osteoarthritis and how it works will ultimately help contribute to relief of your arthritis pain. And stopping the progression of arthritis as well as stopping your pain should be your number one goal. Once you understand the facts about arthritis and the possible causes and remedies and treatment approaches you can take, you’ll be on your way to recovery and pain will go away forever.

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Inflammatory Arthritis – Types, Causes and Symptoms

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
Dr John Anne Said:

What is Inflammatory Arthritis?

There are many forms of arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is any form of arthritis that involves the immune system and inflammation. The characteristic symptoms of inflammation are swelling, heat, redness of skin, pain, and loss of function. There are different types of inflammatory arthritis.

Autoimmune Disorders

The body treats it own tissues as a foreign object and reacts to this foreign object with inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis – antibodies produced by the body attack the synovial membrane that encloses each joint

Lupus – systematically affects connective tissues and organs

Ankylosing Spondylitis – a progressive form of arthritis that causes inflammation of the spine and large joints

Reiter’s Syndrome – a chronic, progressive disease that can affect the joints, tendon attachments, skeleton, and the eye’s conjunctiva and mucous membranes

Psoriatic arthritis – causes inflammation of the skin and joints

Inflammatory bowel disease – inflammatory arthritis can be associated with this disease

Other Causes of Inflammatory Arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis can be caused by other conditions, as well. Reactive arthritis is caused by certain types of bacteria and can develop from an infection in another part of your body. The deposit of crystalline structures in the joints causes gout and pseudogout. Elevated blood levels of uric acid, which is a waste product, can form in the joints when the kidney does not properly dispose of the waste.

Symptoms of Inflammatory Arthritis

The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can include the following:

Pain in one or more joints

Swelling in one or more joints

The affected joint is usually warmer than other joints

Stiffness and decrease of ability to move affected joints

Symptoms may appear after a minor illness or emotional stress

Skin around joints may become red and tender

Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis

The symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can be treated with medicines or natural remedies. However, it is very important to find the cause of the arthritis so that the root problem can be treated as well. Medications can be used to treat the pain and inflammation, but there are many natural remedies that have been more successful in treating the cause of the inflammatory arthritis. If you use medications to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis, be sure to learn of any side effects or reactions to other medications or food.

Some natural remedies for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis include:

Exercise – a regular exercise regimen helps to avoid stiffness of the joints associated with inflammatory arthritis

Water aerobics – endorphins produced in the brain during water aerobics can help ease the pain of inflammatory arthritis

Valerian – this can be used to treat the pain of inflammatory arthritis. This natural medication is a known sedative and caution should be used – some people have experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopping abruptly.

Comfrey – a comfrey salve can be used to reduce the inflammation of the affected joints

Mangosteen – this fruit has been shown to relieve both the inflammation and pain associated with inflammatory arthritis

Omega-3 fatty acids – can be found in foods such as cold-water fish, walnut, and flaxseeds.

Diet for Inflammatory Arthritis

Diet is also another way that you can prevent or lessen the symptoms associated with inflammatory arthritis. A healthy diet is important for overall health. There are some foods that can trigger the onset of inflammation in the joints and some foods that decrease the onset of inflammation. If you suffer from inflammatory arthritis, you should eliminate milk and milk products. You should avoid polyunsaturated fats and products that are made with partially hydrogenated oils. The best kind of diet for those who suffer from inflammatory arthritis is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Some of the common foods that can trigger the symptoms of arthritis are milk and dairy products, beef, corn, and wheat. Avoiding these foods can help you to avoid triggering the symptoms. In general, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you to avoid many of the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.

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Arthritis – Common Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
Bernice Eker Said:

Arthritis is an ailment which involves a number of painful conditions of the joints and the bones. There are a number of different types of this disease. Most types are inflammatory while others are degenerative in nature.

The disease may be preceded or coupled by an episode of fatigue and feeling of weakness. The pains in the joints most of the time starts in the hands, particularly in the knuckles. Most of the time, the pain are felt in both hands simultaneously, as in the case of one of the most typical form called rheumatoid arthritis.

Other usual forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, gout arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis arthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and septic arthritis.

Other forms of arthritis can emerge as a result of an infection. For instance, bacteria causing gonorrhea or Lyme disease can also lead to arthritis. Arthritis that are caused by infection can cause serious injuries, but generally clears up completely with the use of antibiotics.

Scleroderma, a systemic ailment which involves the skin, may incorporate harms with the blood vessels, internal organs as well as the joints. Another disease called fibromyalgia syndrome is soft-tissue rheumatism that does not usually result to the deformation of the joints but affects an estimated number of 5 million Americans which are mostly women. Over 100 various types of arthritis and arthritis related conditions have been reported.

In making a diagnosis, there are a number of common symptoms of arthritis that have to be considered. These common symptoms of arthritis can be found in tandem with different forms of arthritis. A person may likely to have arthritis if they have been experiencing any of these common symptoms of arthritis such as persistent joint pains, unexplainable weight loss or non-specific fever.

Joint deformities, inflammation as indicated by joint swelling, redness, stiffness and/or warmth, loss of range of movement or flexibility in a joint, extreme fatigue and lack of energy are also some of the common symptoms of arthritis.

Due to the fact that there are a lot of existing types of arthritis, there are many tests that are being performed for arthritis and its related diseases. Your medical doctor will be in charge of ordering tests basing on your comprehensive listing of symptoms. Some of the tests and procedures that may help diagnose arthritis include online self-assessments, such as self-assessment for candidiasis and the magnesium deficiency assessment. This self-testing procedure can aid you in determining the root causes of your persistent conditions.

There are also certain saliva tests which can make you check if you have an acid alkaline imbalance. According to recent studies, the reduction on the levels of acidity in the body can have a good effect on improving the common symptoms of arthritis.

Blood tests can also be done. Patients who suffer with arthritis have inflammatory markers found in their blood. These tests may include checking for the presence of positive rheumatoid factor, presence of citrullinated peptide or CCP antibody, checking the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and checking for the levels of C-reactive protein or CRP.

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What You Have To Know About Psoriatic Arthritis

Sunday, November 15th, 2009
Scott Goodman Said:

Arthritis comes in many forms. A lot of people think that arthritis is a disease that affects only the bones. Contrary to that fact, arthritis affects not only ligaments and joints but the skin as well. If such is the manifestation, we call that variety of arthritis as psoriatic arthritis.

Unlike the other types of arthritis, this type commonly occurs in the skin due to previous psoriasis disease. And unlike the other arthritis types, this disease is easily treatable through several forms of drugs and therapies. Read the items below and find out more about what psoriatic arthritis is. The items you can find below will help you know the nature of the disease and how it is treated.

Psoriatic Arthritis: What Is It?

Psoriatic arthritis can be described as an ailment affecting the skin. Like the other types of arthritis, there is presence of inflammation which typically manifests on the skin. Although it results after psoriasis, the disease is actually an immune or genetic problem. Because of its unknown origins, there is no total cure for the disease.

However, it is easily treated compared to the other types of arthritis. More often than not, the problem with those who have psoriatic disease is self image disturbance rather than the manifestations of the disease itself.

Psoriatic Arthritis: The Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are basically the manifestations of two diseases, namely: arthritis and psoriasis. The psoriasis symptoms show as scaly patch like skin appearance. They are usually inflamed and appear red upon assessment. Together with these signs are arthritis manifestations such as joint stiffness or swelling, inflammation, and immobilization of the affected body part.

In psoriatic arthritis, there is a usual pattern of inflammation common among the population affected with the disease. Usually, the joint pains are one sided or asymmetrical in nature. The discomfort is felt primarily on the major joints of the body followed by inflammation of the tendons. The symptoms can be easily treated through several anti-inflammatory drugs.

Psoriatic Arthritis: The Treatment

The psoriatic arthritis treatment is generally the same as the therapies given to other types of arthritis. Patients can be given corticosteroids, NSAID’s, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, TNF-apha inhibitors, and immunosuppressant drugs. The treatment for psoriatic arthritis is not as aggressive as the one given to rheumatoid arthritis patients. Because psoriatic arthritis is a milder form of the disease, the therapies given are also mild in nature. In fact, relaxation alone can help a lot in the remission of the disease.

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Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis

Saturday, November 14th, 2009
Peter sams Said:

Arthritis isn’t just 1 disease; it’s a complex disorder that comprises more than 100 distinct conditions and can affect people at any stage of life. Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. There are many forms of arthritis (over one hundred and growing). The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an over-active immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis).

Forty-six million Americans report that a doctor told them they have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults. The CDC Arthritis Program is working to improve the quality of life for people affected by arthritis and other rheumatic conditions by working with states and other partners to increase awareness about appropriate arthritis self management activities and expanding the reach of programs proven to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis.

Arthritis has reached pandemic levels in the western world. About 70 million Americans nearly one in three people are reported to have it in one of its 100 varieties, ranging from the most common, osteoarthritis, to the crippling rheumatoid arthritis, and including gout and lupus. The situation is no better in Britain where unofficial estimates reckon nine out of every 10 people will suffer from it in some form before they die.

Signs and Symptoms

There are many different signs and symptoms of arthritis. If you have experienced pain, stiffness, or swelling around a joint for more than two weeks, you should visit your physician. Only a physician can determine if you are suffering from symptoms of arthritis. You need to find out which type you have in order to start the best course of arthritis treatment. These arthritis symptoms may come up suddenly or slowly over time and may also include sleeplessness, fatigue, depression, and muscle aches.

Although the severity and range of symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can vary in each person, common symptoms include:

• Stiffness, pain, swelling and tenderness of the joints and surrounding soft tissue

• Reduced range of motion

• Morning stiffness and tiredness

• Nail changes, including small indentations in the nail, called pitting, or lifting of the nail, which occurs in 80 percent of people with psoriatic arthritis

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:

• Joint pain

• Joint swelling

• Joints that are tender to the touch

• Red and puffy hands

• Firm bumps of tissue under the skin on your arms (rheumatoid nodules)

• Fatigue

Causes of Arthritis

Heredity: Scientists have discovered that the genetic marker HLA-DR4 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis; so, if you happen to have this gene, you’re more likely to develop the disease. For example, ankylosing spondylitis is linked to the genetic marker HLA-B27, and although having this gene doesn’t mean that you will absolutely get this form of arthritis, you can if conditions are right.

Tumor necrosis factor: TNF is a substance the body produces that causes inflammation and may play a part in initiating or maintaining rheumatoid arthritis. Although scientists are unsure exactly what triggers rheumatoid arthritis, they have found that drugs that counteract the effects of TNF, called TNF antagonists, are often helpful in managing the symptoms of this disease.

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Arthritis Symptoms – Recognizing If You Have Arthritis Symptoms

Thursday, November 12th, 2009
Bernice Eker Said:

Arthritis is a disease that affects people’s joints, which is the point where two bones are connected. Joints are important for the mobility of two linked bones and arthritis is a disease that paralyzes the functioning of joints. In fact, the literal meaning of arthritis is the inflammation of joints.

There are over a hundred kinds of arthritis and it is important to know the arthritis symptoms that you experience. Recognition of arthritis symptoms is vital for the diagnosis of the exact kind of arthritis that you are suffering from. Early evaluation of arthritis symptoms can prevent greater damage and further discomfort.

The most common arthritis symptoms include inflammation of joints which is characterized by joint stiffness, visible swelling and redness. The area affected is also warm and tender to touch. Pain and inflammation of tendons that surround the affected joint can be present.

Muscle ache is also a common symptom. These manifestations could result in less range of motion, rendering the patient unable to move freely. Loss of mobility hinders a person unable to perform simple daily functions like walking, writing, exercising, using the computer, etc. Even eating becomes an impossible task when arm joints display arthritis symptoms.

These symptoms may appear suddenly or could progress over a period of time. Constant pain, inflammation and stiffness are signs that you should consult a physician, especially if these symptoms have already persisted for more than a week. Early diagnosis of the type of arthritis you have is critical in order to begin the best course of treatment.

Some types of arthritis could be worse than others. The effects of other kinds of arthritis may not be limited to joints. Sometimes, arthritis affects various internal organs in the body, thereby resulting in other forms of symptoms like fever that is accompanied by chills, sudden weight loss, fatigue and swelling of the glands. Organs like the lungs, kidneys and the heart can display symptoms as well. These organs can begin functioning abnormally because of arthritis.

Arthritis can also hit young people. Juvenile arthritis affects some children and it is manifested by the usual symptoms like joint aches, swelling and warmth. Other symptoms include body rashes, particularly in the arms and in the legs, fever and anemia. Poor appetite can also be an indication of arthritis in children.

Arthritis, when it remains untreated, could render a person unable to move freely. Aside from the stopping a person from performing his tasks, arthritis could also result in joint deformity, which could be very aesthetically unpleasing. Arthritis could affect a person’s quality of life. It can stop him from doing the things he love and can even force him to stop working. Even the most basic tasks become impossible challenges with this disease.

This disease does not choose its victim. It is not gender-based and contrary to popular assumption, arthritis is not limited to a specific age group. Anybody can suffer from it – men, women and children. Thus, it is important for people to be aware of the symptoms that they are experiencing. Early diagnosis can save you a lifetime of pain.

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Getting a Handle on Arthritis

Thursday, November 12th, 2009
Mitamins Team Said:

Are you, or is someone you love, currently experiencing pain from arthritis? Have you thought about a natural treatment for arthritis(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Arthritis.html)? Could it be that nature offers cures or ways to alleviate symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition which is very varied in the way it manifests itself. There is no singular set of symptoms. In fact, there are more than one hundred different types of arthritis. A sure sign of arthritis that is consistent across the board, however, is swelling of the joints accompanied by severe pain.

Think arthritis only affects older people? Think again. That is a common misconception concerning arthritis. Actually, arthritis can affect people of all ages. Arthritis that affects children is labeled as “Juvenile Arthritis”. A statement released by the CDC in October, 2002 said that “Arthritis is the number one cause of disability, and the new data confirms that arthritis and chronic joint symptoms are one of our most common health problems.” About 1 in 3 Americans, or 70 million adults, are affected by arthritis or chronic joint problems.

A cure for arthritis has not been found yet, but don’t feel too disappointed by this fact- there is still a lot that can be done to manage this condition. A combination of medication, exercise, rest, weight management, proper nutrition and in some cases, surgery, can go a long way towards relieving arthritis symptoms. Though there are many ways to treat or elleviate arthritis, sometimes these methods are not quite adequate for some people. For this reason it might be helpful to consider a natural supplement to treat arthritis(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Arthritis.html). A natural supplement may not only relieve arthritis symptoms but also help slow down progression of the condition.

Who helps you?

Dr. Balch graduated with honors from the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Balch is a member of the AMA and a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. He has been a physician for 30 years. He has a license as a Certified Nutritional Consultant which he received from the American Association of Nutritional Consultants. He has written several books about nutrition, including the best-selling Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A to Z, which he co-authored and which has sold 3.5 million copies to date. Two of his other books are Prescription for Dietary Wellness and The Super Antioxidants. Dr, Balch aims to give the public access to everyday, available remedies which can relieve pain and even save lives. He aims to write about health in a way that makes it easily understandable to the average person.

What’s in the formula?

Bone cartilage is composed of Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which are included in the formula. People around the world use MSM, or methyl sulfonylmethane, for relief of inflammation as well as muscle and joint pain. Bromelai is able to keep inflammation low in a number of ways. Many inflammatory joint diseases can be relieved with Devil’s claw roots. One of the best herbal treatments for arthritis(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Arthritis.html), traditionally, is Alfalfa. Evening primrose oil has been commonly use for relief of inflammation due to arthritis.

Where?

Mitamins’ website offers natural supplements for those looking for alternatives to traditional prescription medications with side effects, or for those simply just interested in alternative treatment methods. If you are taking prescription drugs but want to try Mitamins at the same time, just remember to use the prescription drug checker to make sure there will be no conflicts with your natural supplements and your prescription.

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10 Important Things About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sunday, November 8th, 2009
Steven A Johnson Said:

1.) Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis. There is 2.1 millions people in the U.S. that have it. It develops mostly between the ages of 30 and 50 years of age. But can develop at any age.

2.) Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It is a chronic disease and it is triggered by the immune system. Autoimmune diseases happen when the body tissues are attacked mistakenly by the body’s own immune system. The immune system has a complex organization of cells and antibodies that normally seek and destroy invaders like bacteria. This can cause inflammation in joints and it can also target important organs in the body like the lungs, kidneys, and heart.

3.) Blood tests and physical exams are used in combination to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. There is no 2 cases of rheumatoid arthritis that are the same. And the course its going to run can be very unpredictable. Some people who have it can have very severe joint pain and their x-rays can show that there is no damage done to the joints. Some patients have a lot of joint damage and don’t experience very much pain at all. So in order to find the best treatment for one’s case many tests and exams are done to determine the best treatment.

4.) There are 2 types of Arthritis, seropositive and seronegative. The word “sero” comes from serum. This means seronegative happens when blood tests can show up negative when tested for rheumatoid arthritis. Signs and symptoms are still there it just doesn’t show up in blood tests. This does not mean, however, that it is a less severe case of rheumatoid arthritis. Only about 20% of rheumatoid arthritis cases are seronegative.

5.) Recognizing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is important. Getting the earliest diagnosis can prevent severe damage to joints, bones, muscles, and organs later on. Early symptoms include warmth, swelling, and pain that occur in small joints like fingers, wrists, and feet. Stiffness in the morning that can last up to an hour or more and fatigue that normally goes along with loss of appetite and fever. Joints that are affected are normally symmetrical, and lumps can be present in the areas. Deformities in joints and damage to tendons, ligaments, and cartilage can be signs too.

6.) Rheumatoid arthritis is more common to occur in women than in men. Genetics and hormones are said to be the major role in the cause rheumatoid arthritis. This does not mean that men hardly get arthritis. This means that certain kinds of arthritis are more common in women than men. Arthritis such as gout and ankylosing spondylitis are more common in men than women.

7.) Joint damage can occur quickly in rheumatoid arthritis. Damage can occur within 2 years of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. This is why it is so important to get diagnosed early is so important. Your doctor will be able to determine whether an aggressive approach is needed or not.

8.) The risk of disability for rheumatoid arthritis is high. An early diagnosis can mean saving your body from severe damage like joint and bone deformities and even crippling.

Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are the leading cause of disability in the U.S. according to the center of disease control and prevention.

9.) A product called Rhumatol that Alternative Health Supplements offers can support your joints and cartilage. It can improve your energy, give relief from joint discomfort, supports cartilage for comfort and mobility, and it is all natural with no side effects. This product also supports immune system and autoimmune health. It will improve your over all health and sense of well being.

10.) There is still hope, help, and new medical research being done to treat and cure rheumatoid arthritis. If you get diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis don’t lose hope, there is a lot that can be done to treat it and keep your life as normal and healthy as possible. It can get emotionally overwhelming, financially stressful and disabilities can be frustrating but keeping your head up will make you stronger.

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Do I Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Sunday, November 1st, 2009
AnswersTV Said:

Recognizing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Watch this and more health videos at: www.answerstv.com

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